Fayrouz Allam

A day in my life

A typical day in my life always starts with the (very best) hot chocolate from the Atrium (I get it so often, I got a loyalty card, and I’m two stamps away from a free one).

After that, my day usually flips between lectures for my Business Management with Marketing degree and meet-ups for group assignments. When I’m not in class, you’ll probably find me on the second floor of the library, either working on my coursework or doing some work for +twe, where I work part-time as a Marketing Specialist.

I will often order lunch to the University or go out to eat with a friend. We have recently been going to Silicon Oasis a lot - the new mall, Silicon Central, has really opened up and has a bunch of new cool places we keep trying!

I then usually head back to uni and end my day with club meetings, brainstorming sessions, or just hanging out with friends in the social spaces on campus!

Why Birmingham Dubai?

I chose the University of Birmingham Dubai because it offered the same high-quality education and worldwide reputation as the UK campus. The modern facilities, supportive community, and the chance to learn in a global business hub made it the perfect choice.

I attended an Open Day the summer before my first year, where I had a lovely experience with current students who were ambassadors and showed us around the campus, sharing an authentic view of the experience, which really added to my confidence in attending the University. The Programme Director for Business took the time to explain the course, which was very encouraging! I also attended an Offer Holder Visit Day, where I met with Rachel, the sweetest Recruitment Officer, who was extremely supportive and helped make my entry to Birmingham Dubai a smooth experience!

Dubai itself is one of the most exciting and global cities to study in. I enjoy how easy it is to meet people from different backgrounds and how the city blends cultures, ideas, and experiences in a way few places do. For someone studying business, being in Dubai offered me a real exposure to how industries operate and evolve. There’s always something happening, and the constant energy of the city keeps you motivated.

Why I chose to study Business Management at Birmingham Dubai

Business Management with Marketing felt like the best fit because it blends creativity with strategy, and as someone whose biggest passion in life is storytelling, it felt like the right path to take. I wanted a programme that lets me understand the business side of things, while still giving me space to be creative and think in terms of creative stuff such as branding, campaigns, and audience psychology.

The Industrial Placement option was another huge selling point as well, because gaining real experience before graduating was important to me. The course at Birmingham is structured in a way that constantly pushes you to think independently, reflect, and solve real business problems instead of just memorising theories. It’s hands-on, relevant, and genuinely helped me grow.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

My student experience has been really positive and full of inspiring moments that have helped me grow. Between interesting lectures, working at +twe, and getting involved around campus when I could, I’ve been able to try different things without feeling overwhelmed.

I’ve helped out at many student events and was part of the organising team for some, such as the 2024-2025 University of Birmingham Dubai MUN Conference. This year, I am leading the newly formed Student Sustainability Club, and we have a lot planned, such as exciting field trips and carnivals! This has given me the opportunity to directly contribute to student life and genuinely make an impact.

In terms of student culture, everyone around you is doing something incredible, like creating start-ups, competing in international competitions, or hosting the most exciting events! All these experiences have helped me meet people from all over the world, and along the way, I’ve made friends, found my own routines, and figured out a balance between studying, working, and just enjoying University life.

It’s busy sometimes, but in a good way that keeps life interesting and meaningful.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

The University has supported me academically and professionally. The Careers Network has been a huge help, especially in improving my CV, preparing for placements, and understanding what employers look for. Humza and Hayder are a huge support and constantly host various workshops, writing support, and sessions that help you build confidence in skills like time management and decision making.

Academically, the lecturers are approachable and genuinely invested in helping students understand the material. The assignments are always very hands-on and intriguing. For instance, my Consumer Behaviour assignment consists of actually creating an advertisement and explaining a consumer journey for a product of our own creation! All assignments are similarly in-tune with real-life practice and constantly actually allow you the opportunity to create tangible projects!

I am truly grateful to have been awarded the Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship at the University of Birmingham Dubai, granted in recognition of my academic performance. Beyond the scholarship itself, the University has been incredibly supportive in easing the transition into University life. From the Admissions and Student Services teams who guided me through every step of enrolment, to the academic advisors who made sure I was choosing the right modules for my goals. There’s a strong sense that students are pushed to aim high but also provided the tools to actually get there.

Advice for students

If I could give one piece of advice to future students at the University of Birmingham Dubai, it would be this: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, go and find them. The University has so many great things beyond classes, including events, workshops, clubs, and volunteering. I wish I had known earlier how much these experiences help you grow, build confidence, and meet amazing people. Join club group chats, check the weekly newsletter, and keep up with all the cool events taking place

For academics, my biggest tip is to stay consistent. It’s much easier to keep up than to catch up. Start your work early, ask questions, and talk to your lecturers because they really do want to help.

And don’t forget to use the support around you, from wellbeing check-ins to career services, and even just talking to your fellow classmates. They honestly make a big difference, and everyone has something new you can learn from them!